Carrie Ann Smith

I believe fashion is a language and style is a choice. You can communicate with people without saying a word by adorning a striking accessory or a statement piece. I love to scan a crowd and see the variety of personalities showcased by what people have on.

How do you describe your style?

I would describe my style as simple and single-girl savvy. I only shop on the clearance rack and (I’m) not ashamed to say so. As a curvy girl, I stick with solids or color-blocking and tend to stay away from prints. Every once in a while I will throw a pop of pattern in for an accent.

What are your favorite pieces or trends?

White fingernails and toes right now! The white nails make my pale skin look darker. I live in dresses. I am obsessed with belts. My friends make fun of me because I always try to find a way to wear a belt even if my attire does not require one. I also adore shoes and handbags. What girl does not?

Where are your favorite places to shop?

For my work attire I tend to shop at Von Maur or Macy’s. I love finding a great deal, wearing it for a while and trading it out for a “new” look at an upscale consignment shop. The rest of my wardrobe is a mixture of local boutiques, TJ Maxx and consignment. I am a firm believer in rotating the closet, so selling on Ebay and dropping things off at Sassy Fox has also allowed me to replenish without spending too much money.

Who is your fashion icon and why?

Julia Roberts has always been someone I have admired and felt a connection with over the last 20 years of my life. The clothes have never worn her – she has worn the clothes. Her carefree, tomboyish and classy combination of style seems effortless and relatable to me. Maybe it is a redhead thing.

Did you always have an eye for fashion?

I grew up on a farm in the country so my only resources for fashion advice (back then) were magazines. I would make collages of trends and try to figure out how to copycat the style and make it my own. I remember trying to “bleach out” my own jeans with bleach and a paintbrush, making belts out of T-shirts and taking the “Guess” tag off of consignment jeans (that did not fit me) and sewing them on generic jeans that did. My fashion (improvement) skills started at a young age.

What Advice Do You Have For Aspiring Fashionistas?

My advice to anyone trying to make a fashion statement is to not try so hard. Wear clothes that feel good and inspire you. Never let someone else tell you how to dress, especially when their style needs a makeover. Lastly, make sure you never blend into the crowd of black cocktail dresses. Stand out! Bill Blass said it best: “When in doubt, wear red.”

Photos by CHRIS HUMPHREYS | The Voice-Tribune

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Thank you Chris, Angie, Aimee and the entire staff at The Voice for this fun opportunity! We at Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center and CaloSpa look forward to the anticipated Best Dressed 2012! See you there!